Sarah Hyland Addresses Anorexia Allegations

"My circumstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like."
- byTina Burke

May
2017

Sarah Hyland has addressed allegations that she is promoting eating disorders, after suffering from bullying online for her thin frame.

The actress was noticeably absent for a recent Modern Family press event, and pulled out of the 2017 SAG Awards due to health reasons. Despite remaining withdrawn from the spotlight recently, she has been targeted online for her appearance.

Now, she's spoken out about the allegations in a lengthy statement on Twitter, revealing she has been dealing with her own private health battle. Sarah explained she does not have an eating disorder, and refuted claims she is glamourising weight loss.

"I'd like to address something that has not only been brought up on Twitter but has been heavily discussed by all of you in my Instagram comments," she wrote. "That something is my weight. I normally don't comment on things like this because it draws attention to those trying to spread negativity but I'm here to explain a few things and spread love. Here goes…I haven't had the greatest year. Maybe one day I'll talk about it but for now, I'd like my privacy. I will say this year has brought a lot of changes and with that, physical changes."

"I have been told I can't work out. Which, for me, is very upsetting. I am an activist for activity (and for eating junk food in bed but it's all about balance right?). I love to be outdoors. I love to be strong. (I'll be using that word a lot). Strength is everything. Being strong has gotten me where I am. Both mentally and physically. I am not a fan of ‘being skinny' which many of you have told me that I am too much of. ‘Eat a burger, your head is bigger than your body and that's disgusting' and you're right! I should eat a burger! Cause they're f--king delicious! But guess what. I do And again, you're right. No one's head should be bigger than their body but considering I've basically been on bed rest for the past few months, I've lost a lot of muscle mass. My circumstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like."

"I write this because I've been accused of promoting anorexia in, ironically enough, an anti-bullying post. And I want young girls to know that's not my intention."

Sarah informed fans that she is working towards re-gaining her weight, and maintaining her health after her battle.

"(I'm) working hard to maintain my weight by eating as much protein as possible and continue to be strong and healthy. There's no need to worry. I've been down before and I'll probably be down again in my lifetime but I'm steadfast and solid and will conquer my obstacles."

Sarah did not reveal the status of her current health battle. She did, however, say she is currently taking Prednisone, a medication used to treat certain inflammatory diseases, some autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer. Sarah previously received a kidney transplant from her father in 2012, following a battle with kidney dysplasia, though it is unknown if this is relevant to her current illness.